mIRC 5.31 is the latest version of Khaled Mardam-Bey's most popular IRC (Internet Relay Chat) client. Netizens from all over the world use this software to meet and talk privately or in groups over various multi-user chat networks. Even though mIRC 5.31 is just a bug fix from previous versions of mIRC, it is still recomended that you download it.
Why do so many people use mIRC? Why is mIRC considered by many to be the best IRC client? Let's take a look.
Interface and Configuration
mIRC comes with a nice, clean, and easy to use interface. From the start, it has a complete list of IRC Networks to choose from (such as EfNet, UnderNet, DALnet, and NewNet). There's likely to be a network located near you.
After you have chosen a network, you are greeted by an mIRC Channels Folder. This is where the default channels are listed (mainly help channels). You're sure to find a channel with a topic you are interested in, but if you do not, you don't have to use the mIRC Channels folder. You can join a different channel by typing /join #channelname. If you need assistance in the channe,l you should go to the channel operator. The operators of the channel can be identified by the @ symbol in front of their nicknames.
Tools and Features
mIRC offers a user-friendly interface with many powerful tools and features. It provides DCC send and get (for trading files among friends on the IRC network), programmable aliases, a handler for remote commands and events, place sensitive popup menus, a great Switchbar, and support for sound and the World Wide Web. The Toolbar provides easy access to the most commonly used features and commands.
mIRC also provides full font support so that you can choose any font you like in which to view what others are saying. mIRC also provides the usual text extensions like bold and underline.
The most popular feature that mIRC has to offer is its own built-in scripting capability. Anyone can download pre-written scripts that provide a more configurable interface as well as more features and utilities.
Bug fixes in 5.31
Fixed the Alt-G keyboard bug. This was a real pain to all Scandinavian, Turkish, and Belgian users; it blocked the use of the @#$%^&. characters
Bug in the random port selection routine fixed; it was resulting in DCCs freezing up if your IP address was incorrect.
DCC get extensions bug (under Win3.1x) fixed. This feature allows you to launch third party applications after a file transfer.
Dynamic Help menu display of .txt and .hlp files in mIRC's directory changed. They are now separated into their own sub-menus.
Small bugs in the $?="...", $readini, $count() and $address fixed.
Summary
mIRC is used by people all over the world. Many people, including the MyDesktop Network staff, use it to discuss issues without having to pay long distance phone bills. mIRC is definitely the cream of the crop in the IRC client field.
